Increase Through Humility, Unity, and Love

What Interrupts Grace?

One of the greatest interruptions to grace is thinking too highly of ourselves.

It is easy to be used by God and then begin to think, "Wow, I did that." But the truth is, we didn't do it on our own. God used us. We were simply the vessel.

Romans 12 reminds us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought. When pride begins to rise, we must return to verse 2 and renew our minds so that we can be transformed again into humility—the humility that reflects His glory and the calling He has placed on our lives.

Sometimes God uses us in powerful ways, and we can mistakenly believe the spotlight belongs to us. But God does not lift us up so we can prove that we are somebody. He lifts us up so that He may be glorified through us.

The Lord says, in essence, "I did not use you greatly so you could exalt yourself. I used you because of your humility and purity of heart."

As we move forward in Christ, we must remain in that place of dependence and humility.

Increase by Being Joined Together

Have you ever been compacted?

Naturally speaking, I do not enjoy being crowded. But spiritually, this is how increase comes.

Scripture tells us that we are to be fitly joined together and compacted. It is not enough to simply be near one another. We are called to become united—to the point where we function as one body.

Paul writes that the body grows through "that which every joint supplies."

Every one of us is a joint in the body of Christ. You are a joint. I am a joint. We all have something to supply. When one part refuses to supply its measure, the whole body lacks something.

That is why we must join together. We must become compacted together like pieces of a puzzle, each finding our place and walking in unity.

The body grows according to the effectual working of every measure. Every gift, every calling, every act of service contributes to the strength of the whole.

In our church, we work together as a team—leaders, teachers, ministers, and servants. When every person functions within their God-given measure, increase comes to the body, and the church edifies itself in love.

A Heart for Increase

As an apostle, my desire is to see people increase. I want to see you increase. I want to see your family increase. I want to see every believer walk in the fullness of what God has prepared for them.

My heart is to live sacrificially for others—not to boast about it, but because I know what God has for His people. His plans are good. His promises are great. God wants His people to move beyond survival mode.

He wants you to step into His promises. He wants you to experience His success and His purpose. He wants you to see Him moving in your life. But He also wants you to release your measure.

Instead of always being a receiver, He is calling you to become a giver. He wants you to contribute what He has placed within you for the benefit of others.

One Body in Christ

Romans 12:5 says:

"So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."

We belong to Christ, but we also belong to one another. The chapter goes on to describe how each member serves and functions within the body. It is a beautiful picture of Kingdom life.

We are called to live in this reality every day. We live in unity. We live in purpose. We live in Christ.

Increase Through Transformation

Romans 12:2 says:

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..."

The world speaks of a system—a way of thinking, a pattern, an age that operates apart from God's Kingdom.

God calls us not to conform to those systems but to be transformed. Transformation means being transfigured, changed from the inside out.

As our minds are renewed, we begin to discern and prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God.

Transformation is not merely leaving something behind. It is becoming something new. We remove ourselves from worldly patterns so that we can increase in Kingdom living.

Three Keys to Increase

1. Increase When You Transform Instead of Conform

Your gifts, calling, and spiritual growth increase when you refuse to conform to the patterns of this world and remain transformed in Christ Jesus.

2. Increase by Becoming One in the Spirit

We must become one in the Spirit, one in the body, and one as the church. Unity creates strength, and strength produces increase.

3. Increase When God's Love Is in Place

Love is the environment where truth flourishes. When God's love is operating in our lives, our relationships, and our churches, growth becomes natural and healthy.

Love increases. Love strengthens. Love builds. And love reflects the heart of Christ. May we walk today in humility, transformation, unity, and love, allowing God to bring increase to every area of our lives.

In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.